Ranchi: The Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government is fast-tracking the groundwork for metro rail projects in three of the state’s major cities — Ranchi, Dhanbad, and Jamshedpur — aiming to modernize urban transport infrastructure and improve connectivity for residents.
Detailed Planning Progress in Ranchi
Ranchi, the state capital, has already received in-principle approval from the Union Government for its metro project. Following this, the state authorities have finalized a revised Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), which will guide the overall design and execution of the metro network.
The project has now advanced to the next stages, with work underway on the Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) and the Detailed Project Report (DPR). These reports are crucial as they will determine the technical specifications, alignment, and cost estimates for the metro corridors.
As per the current plan, Ranchi’s metro network will cover a total of 51.3 kilometres across three corridors. The first corridor will stretch 16.1 km from Kachhari Gol Chakkar to Nayasarai, while the second, measuring 13.7 km, will connect Pahartoli to Namkum. The third and longest corridor, spanning 21.5 km, will link Kanke with Tupudana. Together, these three routes are expected to connect the majority of key urban areas in Ranchi, with an estimated daily ridership exceeding 70,000 passengers.
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Technical and Consultancy Work
Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company Limited (JUIDCO) has floated tenders for the preparation of the AAR and DPR for Ranchi. These reports will evaluate whether sections of the metro should be elevated or constructed underground, depending on feasibility and cost considerations.
For Dhanbad and Jamshedpur, consultancy firm RITES has received letters of acceptance to prepare similar technical reports. However, formal agreements for the projects in these cities are yet to be signed.
Phased Implementation Approach
The metro projects across Jharkhand are planned to be implemented in phases. The initial phase focuses on feasibility studies, followed by detailed design, technical planning, and execution. This approach aims to ensure that the metro networks are both efficient and sustainable, meeting the long-term urban mobility needs of the cities.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has emphasized that the metro projects are a key component of the state’s urban development and public transport modernization strategy. By providing rapid, safe, and reliable transport, the projects are expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, enhance connectivity, and support the growth of the state’s urban economy.
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